Browse Submitted Names

This is a list of submitted names in which the usage is African; and the ending sequence is i.
gender
usage
ends with
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Funani f & m Zulu (Rare)
Means "want!" or "search!" in Zulu.
Funebi m & f Ijaw
Means "education is good" in Ijaw.
Funganayi m Shona
Means "remember each other" in Shona.
Funmi m & f Yoruba
Means "give to me" in Yoruba. It can be used as a short form of names containing funmi, such as Funmilola and Olufunmilayo.
Fuseini m African, Dagbani
In Northern Ghana, it is the name given to the second born of a pair of twin girls. The first born twin is named Fuseini According to superstition, the second twin is considered to be the older twin because it is said that during the trauma of birth, the older twin send the younger twin ahead to make sure the world is safe.
Fwasani f & m Tumbuka
Means "to be calm" in Tumbuka.
Gagasi f Zulu
Means "wave" in Zulu.
Gakuhĩ f Kikuyu
Means "the short one" in Kikuyu.
Gamuchirai f Shona
Means "accept or receive" in Shona. It is typically given to a child born out of wedlock.
Garikai m Shona
Means "Live well, safe, healthy and prosperous".
Gazini m Zulu
Means "blood" in Zulu.
Gbambeli m Western African
Masculine name originating from the Banda Traditional Area & from the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana.
Gbemi m Yoruba
Derived from the Yoruba gbé "(to) carry" (see: Gbemisola).
Gbeneowei m Ijaw
Means "complete man" in Ijaw.
Geesi f Somali
Means "a courageous man, brave, hero" in Somali.
Ghakarhi m Zulu
The meaning of this name is fierce warrior. A person not accepting defeat as an option.
Gifti f Oromo
Means "lady" or "queen" in Afaan Oromo.
Gnégnéri m Western African (Gallicized)
Borne by Ivorian footballer Gnégnéri Yaya Touré (1983-), known simply as Yaya Touré.
Goli f Kaguru
Means "wealth" in Chikaguru.
Gondai m Shona
Means "to trust or place hope in" in Shona.
Gubajuti m & f Bandial
Means "they do not have you" in Bandial.
Gumi m & f Shona
Meaning “ten”.
Gwalajori m Kassena
Means "the slave raider has returned" in Kasem.
Gwinyai m Shona
Gwinyai means "be strong". The Zimbabwean tennis player Gwinyai Tongoona is a famous bearer of this name.
Hadadangi m & f Western African, Hausa
Means "joining of clans" in Hausa.
Hakunei m & f Shona
This is a name that implies and asks, meaning "What is not there?". This is a name given by or to someone who is assumed to be falling short or without, so they name the child "What could be missing?" in a sense of affirmation, so to say there is perfection even if you (all) do not see it or doubt it... [more]
Halisi f Swahili
Means "genuine" in Swahili.
Hamunyari f Shona
Hamunyari means "Have you no shame". This name is given in a feuding situation.
Hankali m & f Hausa
Means "intelligent" in Hausa.
Hanneli f Finnish, Estonian, Afrikaans
Finnish variant of Hannele and Afrikaans variant of Hannelie.
Hanyani m Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hanya meaning "live".
Hashiki f Swahili
Means “doesn’t hold” in Swahili.
Hawi f & m Luo
"good luck"
Hawi m Luo
It means luck.
Hazvinei f Shona
Hazvinei means "Never mind, no worries". This name may be given by a parent who was offended
Hazviperi m & f Shona
"It does not end". Situational name given in circumstances where family faced unending troubles or trials.
Hetisani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hetisa meaning "finish".
Hikani f Shona
"Surprise."
Hirsi m Eastern African, Somali
Variant spelling of Xirsi, which is used outside of Somalia.
Hlamalani m & f Tsonga
Means "surprised" in Xitsonga.
Hlawulani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlawula meaning "choose".
Hlayisani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlayisa meaning "preserve, protect".
Hlekani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hleka meaning "laugh".
Hlengani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlenga meaning "collect, gather".
Hlori f Tsonga
Means "wonder" in Xitsonga.
Hlulani m & f Tsonga
Means "win, conquer" in Xitsonga.
Hodari f Swahili
Means “strong” in Swahili.
Houevi f Ewe, African
Name of Ewe origin, meaning "joy".
Hulisani m & f Venda
Means "respect" in Tshivenda.
Husaini m Hausa, Indonesian, Malay
Hausa, Indonesian and Malay form of Husayn.
Hwami m Shona
Meaning "emperor".
Hyelni f African
Name means 'God has given me'. It is used by the burah's of Garkida in Adamawa state of Nigeria.
Ibubesi m Zulu
Means "lion" in Zulu.
Idai f Shona
Means "love them" in Shona.
Idili f & m Amharic
Means "luck, opportunity" in Amharic.
Ifiemi f & m Ijaw
Means "there is time for everything" in Ijaw.
Ilesanmi m Yoruba
Means "home befits me" in Yoruba.
Illi f Berber (Rare)
Literally "My daughter"
Imanzi m Rwandan
From the Kinyarwanda word "umumanzi", meaning "righteousness".
Imenti m Kikuyu
Means "believer of faith" in Kikuyu.
Imohimi m & f Western African, Edo
Means "I have a support" in Edo language.
Ini f & m Western African, Ibibio
Means "time" in Ibibio.... [more]
Iniabasi m & f Western African, Ibibio
Means "God's time" in Ibibio.
Inibrakemi f Ijaw
Means "your destiny is in your hands" in Ijaw.
Iniekenimi f & m Ijaw
Means "know only your own" in Igbo.
Inyoni f Zulu
Derived from Zulu inyoni meaning "bird".
Irekanmi f African, Yoruba
"It is now my turn for good things"
Ireti m & f Yoruba
Means "hope" in Yoruba.
Irikidzai f Shona
Means "to add to" in Shona.
Irikidzayi m Shona
Means "add another one" in Shona.
Irorezi f Isoko (Rare)
Means "good thoughts" in Isoko.
Irorezi f Nigerian
A feminine Nigerian name. The meaning is loosely translated to "good thoughts". This name could also be a diminutive of the Nigerian name Orezi, meaning "precious".
Isaki m Ndebele
Ndebele form of Isaac.
Ituri m Swahili
Means perfume, scent, fragrance in Kiswahili
Iwani f African
Means "speak out".
Izon-ebi m & f Ijaw
Means "the Ijaw life is good" in Ijaw.
Jabai m African
Named after a african serial killer in the 5th century.
Jabulani m Ndebele, Zulu
Means "enjoy" or "be happy all" in Ndebele and "rejoice" in Zulu.
Jafari m African American (Rare), Swahili
Swahili version of, and elaboration of, Jafar that came into popular usage in the 1970s due to many parents choosing Afrocentric names, in this particular case an Islamic name.
Jahali f Bandial
Means "worried" in Bandial.
Jahi f Swahili
Worthy
Jaramogi m Luo
"very courageous"
Jasimini f Amharic
Amharic form of Jasmine.
Jasiri f Swahili
Means "bold, courageous" in Swahili.
Jekesai f Shona
"Make it clear". Meant to speak to neighbor or family to make clear their position or purpose.
Jelani m Swahili
Powerful
Jesubori f Yoruba
Meaning "Jesus is the winner" or "Jesus overcomes" in Yoruba
Jidji f Berber
Means "flower" in Tamazight.
Johani m Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of John.
Joshi m African
Means "galloping" in Swahili.
Jumoki f & m African, Yoruba, Nigerian
Jumoki which in Nigerian means "everyone loves the baby". There is a dog on youtube named Moki, which is short for Jumoki.
Justiniani m Swahili
Swahili variation of Justinianus.
Kaari f Eastern African (Rare), Meru
The name kaari is a name popular used among the Ameru (Meru) community of Kenya. The name is given to a child named after a younger sister of one of the parents. It is especially given by the grandparents... [more]
Kabilibili m Chewa
Means "plush green vegetation" in Chewa.
Kabunji m Hausa
Means “afraid, scared” in Hausa.
Kaci m & f Berber
Can be derived from the Amazigh root qas or kass, which may mean "to share" or "to divide." Can be feminine in the form of Moroccan Kassi.
Kaedabi m & f Akan
Means "remember the past" in Akan.
Kafi f & m African, Muslim
means "sufficient" and "quiet"
Kahandi m Pare
Means "knife" in the Athu language of the Pare people.
Kaitochi f Igbo
The name originates from the Igbo tribe in the Eastern part of Nigeria, West Africa. It means "let us praise God"; referring to the Christian God.
Kamanyi m & f Lunda
Means "prosperity from hard work" in Lunda.
Kamfunti m & f Lunda
Means "the one who has come back" in Lunda.
Kamini m Lingala
A famous bearer is French singer Kamini Zantoko (1979-) of Congolese ancestry.
Kangmi m & f Western African, Goemai
Means 'joining of clans' in Goemai, spoken in Nigeria.
Kaoni f Nigerian
Long awaited child
Karambeni f Jola
Means "to help you" in Jola.
Kariebi m & f Ijaw
Means "the blessing we prayed for" in Ijaw.
Karmami m Hausa
Means "cornstalk" in Hausa.
Karúngi f Kiga
Means "something good, beautiful" in Rukiga.
Karungi f Haya
Means "the one who is beautiful" in Haya.
Kasambayi f Chewa
Means “page” in Chichewa.
Kashangaki m Swahili
Means "surprise" in Swahili.
Kasi f & m Dagbani
It means 'neat or clean'
Kaskazi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "north wind" or "hot season, summer".
Kasungi m & f Kikuyu
It means “I will never suffer” often translated in Kiswahili as “Siwezi sumbuka”.... [more]
Kataali f & m Dagbani
It means have no sins
Katavi m African Mythology, Nyamwezi
A demonic being in the popular belief of the Nyamwezi people of Tanzania. He is reputed to be the chief of the water-spirits, but he also haunts the barren lands and deserts.
Katekani f Tsonga
Means "be blessed" in Xitsonga.
Kebasadi f Tswana
Means "these are women" in Setswana.
Kekeli f Ewe
Kekeli is of Ewe origin & means, 'light, lightness.'
Kelemi f Amharic
Means "colorful" in Amharic.
Kemi f Yoruba
Means "cherish me; caring for me" in Yoruba. It is also a diminutive of other names such as Oluwakemi.
Kenechi m Igbo
Means "thank God" or "thanks be to God" in Igbo (compare Ekene, Chi 2).
Kengani m Kongo
Kengani is an African language, that belongs to Bantu people, designated from Congo kingdom in area that now is called Angola(Uige province).Which is used for Kings, liders, Boss, or heroes.... [more]
Kenyangi m Swahili
Means “in the countryside” in Swahili.
Kényonyóozi f Kiga
Means "born of the stars" in Rukiga.
Kgodi m & f Sotho
Means "mist" in Sotho.
Khamani m Swahili
Meaning “son of king”, “first born”, or “great king” in Swahili.
Khamisi m Swahili
Means “Thursday” in Swahili.
Khayizeni m Tsonga
Means "rebuke" in Xitsonga.
Khensani m & f Tsonga
Means "grateful, give thanks" in Xitsonga.
Khoeli m Sotho
“Moon”
Khomelani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga khomela meaning "forgive".
Khongelani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga khongela meaning "pray".
Khosi m Sotho
Means "king" in Sotho.
Khulekani f Zulu
Means "salute" in Zulu.
Khwezi m & f Zulu
Means "bright morning star" in Zulu.
Kibibi f Swahili
Means "little lady" in Swahili.
Kiburi f & m Swahili
Means "pride" in Swahili.
Kihani m Kongo
First King
Kijani m Swahili
Means "warrior" in Swahili.
Kimani m African
"Adventurous" or "sailor" Kukiyu tribe in the nation state of Kenya.
Kimursi m Kalenjin, Eastern African
Meaning unknown.
Kinuani m & f Lingala
'adventure'
Kinubi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "harp".
Kipenzi f & m Swahili, African
means "darling", "favorite", "loved one"
Kipkirui m Kalenjin
Means "one who was born while people slept" in Kelenjin.
Kirui m & f Kalenjin
Diminutive of Chepkirui and Kipkirui.
Kisi f & m Ogoni
Means "move/ go forward" or "progress" in Khana,... [more]
Kisundi m Pare
Means "deep night" in the Athu language of the Pare people.
Kobi m & f Western African, Akan
Short form of Kobina.
Koffi m Baoulé
Derived from Baoulé fue "Saturday", referring to the day of the week on which the child was born and hence to be understood as "born on Saturday".
Kokebi f Amharic
Means "star" in Amharic.
Konanani m & f Venda
Means "be good to one another" in Tshivenda.
Kondanani m & f Tumbuka
Means "love one another" in Tumbuka and Chewa.
Konradi m Swahili
Variation of Conrad.
Kosisochi m & f Igbo
Kosisochi Meaning: As it Pleases God. ... [more]
Kotani m Tsonga
Possibly from the Xitsonga kota meaning "able, talented".
Kouassi m Akan
Means "born on Sunday" in Akan.
Kouassi m Baoulé
Derived from Baoulé kisie "Monday", referring to the day of the week on which the child was born and hence to be understood as "born on Monday".
Kponoabasi m & f Ibibio
Means "honour god" in Ibibio.
Kromanti m African
War god of ghana
Kucheli f African
Name used by the people of northern Borno state, and Garkida area in Adamawa state. They are called the burah's and paburs.
Kuchinei m Shona
Kuchinei means "What more is left to do, to see or to say" This name may be given by a parent who is at their wit's end. The Zimbabwean singer of the 1970-80s Kuchinei Chikupo was one well known bearer of this name.
Kudzai m & f Shona
Means "respect" in Shona.
Kudzanayi m & f Shona
Means "respect each other" in Shona.
Kufreabasi m & f Ibibio, Efik
Means "do not forget God" in Ibibio and Efik.
Kumi m & f Akan
"forcefulness"
Kundai f Shona
Means "overcome" in Shona.
Kurisani f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga kurisa meaning "increase".
Kurunzi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "torch".
Kuvhanganani m & f Venda
Means "come together" in Tshivenda.
Kuwilileni f African (Rare)
This name is used by a Buzzfeed Employee.
Kuyikabasi m & f Ibibio
Means "do not doubt god" in Ibibio.
Kweli m Swahili (Rare), African American (Modern, Rare)
From Swahili kweli meaning "truth".
Kyóbutúngi f Kiga
Means "something that brings wealth" in Rukiga.
Laal-ì m & f Sidamo
Means "grow!" in Sidama.
Lahari m & f Dagbani
It means "Sunday Born"
Laheli f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Rachel.
Lailati f Indonesian, Swahili
Derived from Arabic لَيْل (layl) meaning "night".
Laini f Swahili
Means "fine, soft, smooth" in Swahili.
Lami m Eastern African, Oromo
Means 'nation' in Oromo.
Lami f Hausa
From the Hausa Àlhàmîs meaning “Thursday”.
Lamidi m Yoruba
Yoruba form of the Arabic name الحميد al-Hamid (see Hamid 1).
Landi f Afrikaans
Short from of Yolandi. This name is borne by South African model Landi Swanepoel (b. 1979).
Landzani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga landza meaning "follow".
Langavi m & f Tsonga
Means "flame" in Xitsonga.
Langutani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga languta meaning "look".
Layomi m & f Yoruba
It means God is my joy in Yoruba
Leandri f Afrikaans
Possibly a variant of Leandra.
Leleti f South African, Zulu
Meaning unknown. A famous bearer is Leleti Khumalo, a South African actress.
Lerabari f & m Ogoni
Means "praise God" in Khana,... [more]
Lerothodi m & f Tswana
Means "drop" in Setswana.
Letsatsi m Sotho
Means "sun" in Sotho.
Lewapi m Tswana
Means "sky" in Setswana.
Lihuti m Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Eliud.
Likeleli f Sotho
Means "teardrops" in Sotho.
Likotsi m Sotho
Means "accidents" in Sotho.
Lindelani f Zulu
Means "wait, be patient" in Zulu.
Lingadani f Ndebele
Means "don't be sad" in Ndebele.
Liseli f Southern African
Means "light" in Lozi.
Livhuwani m & f Venda
Means "be thankful" in Tshivenda.
Liwoli f Southern African
Malawian name.
Lololi f Western African, Ewe
Means "there is always love" in Ewe.
Longji m Western African, Ngas
Means "wealth has come" in Ngas, spoken in Nigeria.
Luchulumancolwenkosi f Xhosa
This name is a scared name. Taken from words the Ancient King of the AmaMpondomise clan King Vukuzumbethe. He used to say “ lulo uchulumanco lwenkosi” which meant “this is God’s happiness”... [more]
Luseni m Western African (Rare)
Unknown meaning. This name is used in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Luti f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Ruth 1.
Luwi m & f Lunda
Means "mercy, kindness" in Lunda.
Lwazi m South African, Zulu
Means "knowledge" in Zulu.
Mabasi f Tswana
Mabasi is an African Tswana Name... [more]
Machiveyi f Shona
"What do you seek or covert?" Situational name given in circumstance where family has covetous neighbours or kin.
Madini f Swahili
Means "gem" in Swahili.
Mafamadi m & f Akan
Means "I have taken it for free" in Akan.
Mafezi m Southern African
Masculine name in the Chichewa language, country Malawi in southeastern Africa.
Magaji m Hausa
Means "heir" in Hausa.
Mahali f Swahili
Means "place" in Swahili.
Mahari m & f Yoruba
Means "one who forgives" or "forgiver" in Yoruba.
Maidei f Shona
Means "what you want" in Shona.
Maikarifi m Hausa
Means "the strong one" in Hausa.
Maikudi m Hausa
Means "possessing money" in Hausa.
Majani f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "leaves (of a plant)".
Majekodunmi m & f Yoruba
Means "do not let it be a thing of pain" in Yoruba.
Makari m African American (Modern), Amharic (?)
Allegedly means "wise man" in Amharic.
Makhanani f Tsonga
Means "joy" in Xitsonga.
Makiadi m & f Kongo
Means "misfortune" in Kikongo.
Makini m & f Swahili
Means "of good character" or "strength of character" in Swahili.
Makoi m Dinka
Means "red bull" in Dinka.
Malami m Hausa
Means "scholar" in Hausa.
Maleagi m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Malachias.
Maletsatsi f Sotho
Means "sun" or "day" in Sotho.
Maltiti f & m Dagbani
Means "resolve for us" in Dagbani.
Malusi m Zulu
Means "shepherd" in Zulu.
Mamadi m Western African, Manding
Possibly a variant form of Mamadu.
Mamphaki f Sotho
The name Mamphaki originates from the Northern Region of South Africa within the Bapedi people. The name was originally given to the first wife of Ntsetse Mailula - Mamphaki 'aMasekela. It was passed down within the Mailula family down to this day.
Mangeni f & m African
means "baby who was born when there is plenty of fish" and is of Bantu origin
Mangwanani f Shona
Means "morning" in Shona.
Maṱoḓzi m & f Venda
Means "tears" in Tshivenda.
Maphoi f Tswana
Means "doves" in Setswana.
Maraai f Afrikaans
Variant of Marai.
Marai f Upper German, German (Austrian), German (Swiss), Afrikaans
German variant of Marei and Afrikaans variant of Maria.
Mareli f Afrikaans
Short form of Marelise.
Marini f Swahili
Means "pretty" in Swahili.
Marjani f Swahili, Eastern African
Means ‘Coral’.
Masamanisi f & m Southern African, Shona
Means "summons (to court)", ultimately from the English word summons.
Matadi m & f Kongo
Means "stone" in Kikongo.
Matshadi f African
Setswana
Matulumi m & f Kaguru
Means "decorations" in Chikaguru.
Maveletiveni m Swazi
A famous bearer is Maveletiveni Dlamini, son of Mswati III, King of Eswatini and his first wife Queen laMatsebula.
Mayangi m & f Kongo (Modern)
Means "joy; happiness" in Kongo.
Mayibongwinkosi m Ndebele
Means "give thanks to the Lord" in Ndebele.
Mayingi f & m Kongo
Nicknamed: Yingi
Mbhoni f Tsonga
Means "witness" in Xitsonga.
Mbhurhi f Tsonga
Means "beautiful girl" in Xitsonga.
Mbi m & f Kenyang
Means "road" in Kenyang.
Mbuyi m Luba
Derived from the Luba word mbùùyì meaning "the firstborn of twins".
Mbuyiseli m Xhosa
Means "one who returns or restores" in Xhosa.
Mbwui m & f Jagham, Kenyang
Corruption of m̀-búi meaning "goat."
Mduduzi m Zulu
Comforter
Mehari m Ge'ez
Means "merciful" in Ge'ez.
Mehluli m Ndebele
Means "conquerer" in Ndebele.
Melubari m Ogoni
It is known among the Ogoni people of Southern Nigeria and it means "who is God?"
Menari m & f Igbo
Means "do more than is expected" in Igbo.
Menji m Kongo
"Wisdom"
Menzi m Southern African, Zulu
Means "creator" in Zulu.... [more]